COLD LOGISTICS BRIEFS

Industrial Info Resources, Sugar Land, Texas, said North American food and beverage companies are planning more than $2.2 billion in expenditures specifically aimed at warehouse and distribution centers. This figure includes both greenfield construction and expansions of existing warehouses.

Expenditures are being driven by capacity expansions, growth in regional markets and the need to improve logistic services. Sysco Corporation and Target Corporation are among those investing in distribution centers and warehouse facilities.


WOW Logistics, Appleton, Wis., said it hiredHoward Kamerer as president and CEO. Kamerer most recently was CEO of Kamerer Consulting, a Chicago-area logistics firm. He also previously was president and CEO of Startec Global Communications; president of Allied Telesys; and CEO and founder of RedEye Networks.

Officials noted Kamerer will be the first president in company history that is not from one of the owners’ families. He succeeds Matt Oswald, who has been with WOW since 2004. Oswald is relocating to the East Coast to be closer to his wife’s family, officials said.

WOW added that Oswald retains his seat on the company's board of directors and will continue to advise WOW's leadership team for at least one year. He also will explore East Coast growth opportunities for WOW.

WOW distribution centers offer 7 million square feet of multi-temperature ambient, refrigerated and freezer storage at 23 locations in three states.